Abas (son of Lynceus)

In Greek mythology, Abas (/ˈeɪbəs/; Ancient Greek: Ἄβας) was the twelfth king of Argos. His name probably derives from α + βαίνω, that is, the one who does not walk away, which is in line with his tenacious and courageous character on the field of battle.

The name Abantiades[pronunciation?] (Ἀβαντιάδης) generally signified a descendant of this Abas, but was used especially to designate Perseus, the great-grandson of Abas,[6] and Acrisius, a son of Abas.[7] A female descendant of Abas, as Danaë and Atalante, was called Abantias.

Abas was a successful conqueror, and was the founder of the city of Abae in northeastern Phocis,[8] home to the legendary oracular temple to ApolloAbaeus, and also of the Pelasgic Argos in Thessaly.[9] When Abas informed his father of the death of Danaus, he was rewarded with the shield of his grandfather, which was sacred to Hera.[10][11] Abas was said to be so fearsome a warrior that even after his death, enemies of his royal household could be put to flight simply by the sight of this shield.[12][13][14] He bequeathed his kingdom to Acrisius and Proetus, bidding them to rule alternately, but they quarrelled even while they still shared their mother's womb.